7 Steps to Boost Your Immune System

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Inside your body, there is an amazing protection mechanism called the immune system. It is designed to defend you against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins, and parasites that would love to invade your body. Environmental factors like diet and nutrition, stress, sleep deprivation, pollution, toxins, obesity, smoking, and alcohol can overwhelm your body and lead to low immunity. Frequent illnesses can lead to more serious imbalances and diseases of the body over time. Look after your body, and it will look after you. Your greatest wealth is health!

Stay Hydrated

Drinking 10–12 cups of clean water per day will help flush out toxins from the body. If you are not getting enough water, toxins accumulate in the body, not only diminishing immune system health but also causing depletion of energy. Start every morning with fresh lemon squeezed in room temperature or warm water to help boost the immune system and detoxify.

Eat Well

Eat foods that support immune system health. Eat fresh, natural foods and stay away from chemical-laden, processed foods which end up depressing the immune system and overburdening the liver. Avoid refined sugars which rob the body of vitamins and minerals resulting in a weakened immune system. Artificial sweeteners are absolute no no’s, too, as they are neuro-toxins, damaging to the body and health. Eat foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids which are paramount for cell health, reducing inflammation in the body, and prevent DNA damage. Omega 3 rich foods include nuts and seeds, especially walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, seaweeds, hemp seeds and powders, spirulina, and chlorella. And we all know, foods high in Vitamin C support immune system health. Most of us turn to citrus as our go-to source for vitamin C but other high vitamin C foods include strawberries, cherries, papaya, kiwi, bell peppers, guava, and pomegranate. Incorporate fresh garlic and fresh onions in your dishes. Fresh garlic is nature’s most powerful antibiotic. Drinking ginger tea helps relieve congestion.

Supplement

Take high-quality supplements in addition to eating well. Supplements are insurance that the body is getting everything it needs, especially during times of stress. A high potency, all-natural, plant-based multivitamin and mineral, high in B vitamins, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Magnesium can help to keep the body healthy. Probiotics improve intestinal flora (good bacteria) and boost the immune system. Sunwarrior’s Vitamins for Her, Vitamins for Him, and Vitamin Mineral Rush are great options!

De-stress with yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Stress increases stress hormones in the body which can wear us out, physically and mentally. By employing techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, levels of stress decrease as the nervous system relaxes. Studies have shown that individuals who consistently dedicate time towards stress management through mind-body techniques get sick less.

Rest and Sleep

Sleep is just as important as all the other points. Honor your body and give it time to recuperate and recharge. Don’t overwork yourself or repeatedly push yourself beyond your capacity. This is taxing on the nervous system, the immune system, and overall health and well-being. You need to get enough sleep for detoxification, recovery, and to repair your body, cells, and cell DNA. Going to bed the same time every day helps to keep the body in a healthy rhythm.

Love Yourself

Studies have shown that negative self-talk and self-debilitating thoughts increase stress in the body, acidify the body, and depress our immune systems. Positive affirmations and positive thinking help to increase our cell health, immune health, and raise our vibrations. When we stop the negative chatter and replace it with loving statements and gratitude, we increase our overall health and become happier. Studies have shown that happier people get sick less! With awareness and practice, we can change the way we think. Just like anything else, to become good at something takes practice.

Claims on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Sunwarrior’s awesome expert writers do not replace doctors and don’t always cite studies, so do your research, as is wise. Seek the advice of a medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle or diet.

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Grace Van Berkum, R.H.N., is a plant-powered, detox nutritionist and tropical yoga teacher facilitating empowering & inspiring Gracious Living Lifestyle Retreats in Nicaragua and around the world. Her mission in this lifetime is to spread the message of plant-based nutrition and self-love by teaching people how to eat and live with awareness. See more of her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gracevanb/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/gracevanberkum/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!